Happy Friday! It’s been a busy few days so I’m really looking forward to relaxing this weekend. PDD Holdings, previously known as Pinduoduo, has moved its headquarters to Ireland. I’ve also tried a new segment where I mark down some trending topics of the week.
PDD Holdings, parent of Pinduoduo and Temu, moves headquarters to Dublin
Have you heard of PDD Holdings? It may sound similar to Chinese giant Pinduoduo, because it is - they rebranded back in February but still holds on to its stock ticker symbol ‘PDD’. Not only did it change its name, but it has been recently discovered in their SEC filings that they have also moved its headquarters from Shanghai to Dublin.
PDD Holdings owns both Pinduoduo, which is still based in Shanghai, and Temu - based in Boston. Just last week I wrote about Temu, who expanded into 6 different European markets after achieving success in the U.S. Aside from the tax implications, this could be another way for the company to increase its international presence.
What’s trending in Asia?
I decided to try a new segment where I note down trending topics in each country this past week. The Premier League is popular across most of Asia, with some countries more interested in the NBA.
Alan Rickman was also trending as Google Doodles celebrated his career on May 1. In May 1 1987, Rickman launched his career in a Broadway performance of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses."
In Hong Kong…
Keung To’s Birthday - If you live in Hong Kong, you’ve definitely heard of the boyband MIRROR. With 1M followers on Instagram, Keung To has amassed so many fans since their debut - fans celebrated his birthday on 30 April.
In Japan…
Tenno Sho - This is a horse race held twice a year in Japan. The first race is a distance of 3,200 metres and took place this past Sunday on 30 April. The next one will be in the autumn on 29 October.
In Malaysia…
Celebrity Marriage - Malaysia diver Dhabitah Sabri and comedian Jiggy Masin has just tied the knot on 28 April.
In the Philippines…
‘Do a barrel roll’ - Your Google browser will take a certain action when you type this in, go try it